What causes teeth grinding at night?
Aug 31, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Teeth grinding at night (bruxism) may be caused by nutritional imbalances. Bruxism is common in the general population. Medical research suggests that its occurrence may be associated with imbalanced nutrient intake. In particular, individuals with poor dietary habits—such as selective or picky eating—may develop deficiencies in various trace elements, including calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, potentially leading to sleep disturbances and nocturnal teeth grinding.
Although no other abnormalities are felt in daily life, concerns about certain health issues may still arise, so it's best to promptly identify any possible causes. What then causes teeth grinding at night?
What Causes Teeth Grinding at Night
Teeth grinding at night may be caused by nutritional imbalances. Bruxism is quite common among the general population. Medical research has found that bruxism may be related to an imbalance in nutrient intake. In particular, individuals who often have picky eating habits may lack essential trace elements such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins, which can disrupt sleep and lead to nighttime teeth grinding. It could also be caused by psychological factors. Indeed, bruxism is associated with emotional and mental states. If someone experiences high stress levels or excessive anxiety and fear during the day, a small part of the cerebral cortex may remain excited during sleep, causing the jaw muscles to contract and trigger teeth grinding.
Eating too much for dinner or consuming food close to bedtime can overload the digestive system. The gastrointestinal tract continues working after falling asleep, which may activate the chewing muscles and result in teeth grinding. Stress and tension can also contribute to this condition. Occasional teeth grinding usually does not cause significant harm. Taking a warm bath before bed, avoiding overexcitement, and refraining from watching horror movies may help. Avoid eating late or heavy meals at night. Regularly consuming firm whole grains and fruits that exercise the chewing muscles—such as whole wheat bread, apples, and pears—can promote dental development and reduce teeth grinding. However, if teeth grinding occurs every night, it may lead to premature tooth wear, expose the dental pulp, and cause tooth sensitivity. Parents should pay attention to such cases and seek timely medical evaluation to determine whether the cause is malocclusion or calcium deficiency.
When patients experience symptoms of teeth grinding, they should seek medical treatment promptly to avoid delaying diagnosis and management. We hope this information is helpful to you.
